Back on Track: European Rocket Ariane 6 Inaugural Launch Planned for 9 July

The European Space Agency (ESA) finally announced the launch of the new Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket this summer. The date is set for 9 July. The launch will take place in Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

First Ariane 6 launch

In recent years, the European space industry has encountered several challenges that stood in the way of launching Ariane 6. Initially, the flight had been scheduled for 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various technical issues, and insufficient funding. By October 2022, ESA indicated that the launch would be no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2023, without providing a public explanation for the delay. Finally, ESA assures that the launch will not be postponed any further, as all necessary preparations have been done.

Ariane 6 is designed as a replacement for Ariane 5, known for its reliability. Between 1996 and 2023, Ariane 5 completed 117 launches, 112 of which were successful.

The new vehicle is expected to be more cost-effective and the capacity for the number of launches per year will be increased (from six or seven to eleven).

Several hundred companies in 13 European countries took part in the development of Ariane 6, united under prime contractor ArianeGroup. Depending on the performance required, Ariane 6 will be available in two versions: a version with two boosters, called Ariane 62, and Ariane 64, with four boosters.

According to the official ESA information, at over 60 meters tall, Ariane 6 will weigh almost 900 tonnes when launched with a full payload – equivalent to one and a half Airbus A380 passenger aircraft. “Ariane 6 can put any satellite or payload into any orbital path, and even multiple on a single trip” – according to the post from official ESA’s account on X.

What so special about Ariane 6 rocket?

ESA Director Josef Aschbacher claims that Ariane 6 is the same class of heavy rocket as SpaceX’s Falcon 9. However, the main difference is reusability. ESA representatives aim to develop this capability in order to compete on the international space stage.

The European Space Agency (ESA) intends to increase the European role in the global space industry. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said, “Ariane 6 marks a new era of autonomous, versatile European space travel. This powerful rocket is the culmination of many years of dedication and ingenuity from thousands across Europe.”

Ariane 6’s second launch is scheduled for the end of the year, followed by a steady rise to around 10 launches a year. This launch is a significant event for the European space community. It is expected to increase the role of Europe in space exploration.

“Ariane 6 already has an order book of 30 missions”, said Stephane Israel, chief executive of launch service provider Arianespace.